“The Dirty Jerz” or “The Armpit of America” are two very common nicknames for America’s 11^th most populated state. New Jersey has gotten itself a very bad reputation (thanks, "Jersey Shoerre") and is much too often referenced as living in the shadow of New York. New Jersey is its own state, and a great one at that. Here’s my defense of the good ole Garden State.

1. Jersey pride

There is surely no shortage of pride within New Jersey for the state. New Jerseyans are incredibly proud of where they’re from, and no other state seems to have similar pride. Although often dived by North versus South versus Central (it exists, but that’s a topic for another time), New Jerseyans will unite at the drop of a hat if we’re challenged by an out-of-stater claiming that their state is superior to ours.

2. The stars

Something must be in the water here in New Jersey, because we rank fifth in celebrities per 100,000 people (http://celebrities.prettyfamous.com/stories/9345/states-most-celebrities#46-new-jersey) with just over five (side note: Ashley Tisdale is said in the link to be from West Deal, but that’s in Ocean Township and she refuses to rep it!). In addition to Tisdale, New Jersey has produced entertainment stars such as: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Kevin Spacey, Queen, Latifah, Frankie Valli, Jack Nicholson and John Travolta. Jersey didn’t stop in entertainment. Other famous Jerseyans include: Derek Jeter, Buzz Aldrin, Victor Cruz, Carli Lloyd, Supreme Court Justices Alito and Scalia, Stephen Crane, Bill Parcels, Shaq and President Grover Cleveland. I’d say that’s a pretty solid resume.

3. Location, location, location

New Jersey has the best of many worlds within its borders. In New Jersey you could live in a rural farm town, a bustling city or an in between suburb without having to move too far from any point in the state. New Jersey is perfectly nestled between two places referred to by residents as “the city,” New York City and Philadelphia. With quick access to these two cities and three different types of settings, Jersey is the perfect place to live.

4. A diner a day keeps the doctor away

According to the NJEHA, New Jersey has the most diners in the world and has been appropriately dubbed “The Diner Capital of the World.” Diners are the ultimate eating experience. They have almost any type of food you’d like and most are open 24 hours a day, and don’t even get me started on Disco Fries…

5. We don't pump our own gas

On those cold winter days or in those summer downpours I bet that people from other states wish for the benefits of New Jersey’s law about pumping gas and don’t give me anything about price, because ours are pretty low compared to the rest of the East Coast.

6. Son of a beautiful beach

From Asbury Park to Atlantic City and from Wildwood to Sandy Hook, New Jersey has some of the nation’s best beaches without a doubt. New Yorkers love to use them and Jerseyans love to go “Down the Shore.” The boardwalks are also incredible (isn’t “Boardwalk” the most expensive space in Monopoly, which is based on Atlantic City?) and have tons of games to play and fun to be had!

7. It’s a great adventure

Six Flags Great Adventure is easily one of the best amusement parks in the world. Kingda Ka is the tallest and third fastest coaster in the world, El Toro is one of the fastest wooden coasters in the world, and they are continually adding to make the park bigger and better. Add Hurricane Harbor and the Safari and this place can’t be beat.

8. A date to the mall

Malls are standard issue in New Jersey, and everyone has a mall that they refer to as their own. Very often have I had to explain where I live based on the closest mall to my house. The Garden State Plaza is over 2 million square feet. That’s a lot of room to shop.

Oh, and on the subject of malls let’s not forget this beaut, coming in Summer 2017. http://www.gq.com/story/five-billion-dollar-new-jersey-mega-mall-american-dream-meadowlands

Case closed.